Sixteen Wonky Log Cabins

 

In the early 70’s, Fort Lauderdale built an artificial coral reef by dumping millions of old tires into the Pacific. The idea was small marine life (coral, barnacles, etc.) would attach to the tires and create a thriving ecosystem. Most of the tires were tethered together with nylon or steel clips. Somehow, it never occurred to anyone long-term exposure to waves and salt water would render the clips useless. Before the new ecosystem had a chance to begin, the tires began flailing about, crashing into one another. Worse, hurricanes that are common in this area sent them smashing into nearby, natural coral reefs. Thousands of tires washed ashore on beaches as far away as North Carolina. Inevitably, all the tires had to be retrieved and disposed of in landfills. It’s said, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” I wonder what ecological disasters we’re creating right now, in the name of saving the environment.